I loved Mary Elizabeth’s post on instituting a Christmas mantra as a way to actively set my heart and mind on the joy of Christ’s birth. I adopted her “Be still: restore” mantra, just altering “be still” to “hush, hush” à la Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Sufjan Stevens style. Call it a musical mantra if you will.

I have used mantras/themes in the past at the passing of birthdays and new years. As 2011 draws to a close, I have been praying about what promises to be an exciting and challenging 2012. I could probably spend 12 full months praying through “Be still; restore” and only scratch the surface of understanding stillness in and deep closeness to God.

One thought that has returned in praying for the upcoming year is to treasure my relationship with Christ. In Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven as a treasure and a precious pearl.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field…Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Somehow the man realized great joy in choosing to sell all he owned, just as the merchant felt no regret in doing the same. They both recognized that the treasure was worth sacrificing every earthly possession. They pursued something of great value without mourning what had to be sacrificed.

Through the gift of salvation, I have a personal relationship with Christ. That is worth everything. Everything. So, I am praying for perspective. I don’t need to sell everything I own in order to get my treasure, but I want to live as though the treasure is worth everything I could possibly own. Jesus is my treasure. My theme for the upcoming months will be “Treasure and Trust” – adding to an ongoing theme of trusting in God’s promises and faithfulness in my life. Christ is first. Christ is loving and omnipotent.

Heavenly Father, as you lavish your love on me, your precious daughter, I pray to trust and have peace in your promises, your truth and your timing. I am lost without you and you are everything to me. May meditating on the inestimable value of the gift of salvation ignite a new passion for you.